The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which marks the end of 14 months of conflict, officially came into effect this morning. Lebanese civilians, previously displaced by Israeli airstrikes and ground offensives, have begun returning to their homes in southern Lebanon, despite warnings from Israeli officials to delay their return.
The ceasefire, announced by U.S. President Joe Biden following its approval by both the Lebanese and Israeli governments, became effective at 5:00 AM today.
President Joe Biden stated that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) would deploy along Lebanon’s southern border within 60 days to assume control of the region. The agreement mandates the disarmament of Hezbollah fighters in this area and their relocation to regions north of the Litani River. During this period, Israeli forces are expected to gradually withdraw.
Biden also clarified that no American troops will be stationed in Lebanon during this process, emphasizing that the U.S. and France played key roles in achieving this agreement through prolonged diplomatic efforts. An international coalition, spearheaded by the U.S. and France, will oversee the implementation of the ceasefire.
Additionally, displaced Lebanese civilians and Jewish settlers from northern Israel will be allowed to return to their homes under the terms of the agreement.
Under the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the sale and production of arms in Lebanon will be strictly controlled by the Lebanese government to prevent the rearmament of groups like Hezbollah.
Colonel Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, urged Lebanese civilians to refrain from returning to southern villages just yet, citing ongoing Israeli military presence. He advised:
“For your safety and that of your family, avoid traveling to areas near Israeli military positions or the evacuated villages until further notice. The Israeli army will announce a safe return date for civilians.”
Despite these warnings, Reuters reported a noticeable movement of displaced families heading south in vehicles as they return to their homes.
The conflict escalated on October 7, following Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, prompting Hezbollah to launch rocket and drone strikes into northern Israel. These attacks forced approximately 60,000 Israelis to flee their homes. While the ceasefire signals a halt in hostilities, the timeline for the return of Israeli evacuees remains unclear.
Reports indicate that between 5,000 and 10,000 Lebanese troops will be stationed in the area from the Israeli-Lebanese border to the Litani River. Another media source revealed an undisclosed U.S. commitment, which allegedly grants Israel the right to retaliate if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire terms.
